Christian McCaffrey’s calf injury has cast doubt over his availability for the 49ers’ season opener against the Seahawks. The star running back missed Friday’s practice after getting hurt a day earlier, leaving both San Francisco fans and fantasy managers anxious just two days before kickoff. McCaffrey’s talent has never been in question, but his injury history continues to fuel concerns about his reliability.
McCaffrey Breaks Silence On His Injury
McCaffrey’s availability for the 49ers’ season opener against the Seahawks remained uncertain after he suffered a calf injury in Thursday’s practice. The star running back skipped Friday’s session but struck a confident tone with reporters, insisting the issue isn’t serious.
“Honestly, I feel great,” McCaffrey told ESPN 49ers reporter Nick Wagoner. “With my injury history, anything missed in practice tends to get overblown, but I’m ready for Sunday.” When asked if the injury felt familiar compared to past setbacks, he quickly dismissed the comparison. “I’m focused on Seattle. That’s all that matters this week.”
McCaffrey also shared his thought process when leaving practice early. “It was the smart move. I’ve made mistakes in similar situations before, and I didn’t want to repeat that. Training camp went well, and I feel confident in my body.”
Christian McCaffrey: "Unfortunately, when you have the injury history that I have, sometimes when you don't practice things get blown out of proportion, but I feel great."
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 5, 2025
Added that he's proud of himself for shutting it down/playing it safe on Thursday: pic.twitter.com/YPPetvt8rT
Insiders are optimistic about his status. NFL reporter Ian Rapoport noted that McCaffrey was moving freely on the sideline during Friday’s practice and that “barring any setbacks, he’s expected to play against Seattle.”
The cautious approach is understandable. McCaffrey appeared in just four games last season after an Achilles injury and a PCL sprain, finishing with 50 carries for 202 yards and no touchdowns.
Christian McCaffrey Injury History
McCaffrey’s injury history dates back to his time with the Carolina Panthers, where he faced multiple setbacks between 2017 and mid-2022. Notably, a two-year stretch from 2020-2021 limited him to just 10 games. Since joining the 49ers in 2022, McCaffrey has looked revitalized, capturing the rushing title in 2023 before suffering his first significant injuries with San Francisco last season.
Now, both the 49ers and their fans are keeping a close eye on his latest calf issue. Reports from training camp showed McCaffrey moving freely and looking sharp, with coach Kyle Shanahan praising him last month as the same dominant force who led the league in rushing in 2023.
